SpeakerCraft Slates In-Wall CD-Receiver
By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 5/27/2002
Riverside, Calif.— SpeakerCraft updated its plans for rolling out an in-wall CD-receiver and a separate home-control touch screen.
The in-wall CD-receiver, called SoundStation-1, is due this month at an everyday $500. When connected via IR cable and auxiliary input to remote audio devices, the device's keypad can also be used to select and play back CDs in a remote megachanger or music channels from a remote satellite receiver.
Around the end of June, the company will deliver its first digital home-control system, which uses a Control Station touch screen. The touch screen is preloaded with the IR codes of all AV brands, but via a PC, they can be loaded with codes for lighting and security systems, HVAC, and other subsystems.
It's targeted to retail for $1,400, but a version that displays baseband video is estimated to sell for a targeted $1,800. This version will display security-camera video, GUIs from connected products, and DVD video.
SpeakerCraft said it has begun delivering its first line of IR receivers and repeaters, which it dubbed "plasma-proof" because they suppress plasma-TV noise that interferes with IR-remote operation. The line includes flush- and surface-mount models, Decora style models, and tabletop models.
